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Three-Dimensional Analysis of Nuclear Size, Shape and Displacement in Clover Root Cap Statocytes from Space and a ClinostatUnder normal (l-g) conditions the statocytes of root caps have a characteristic polarity with the nucleus in tight association with the proximal cell wall; but, in altered gravity environments including microgravity (mu-g) and the clinostat (c-g) movement of the nucleus away from the proximal cell wall is not uncommon. To further understand the cause of gravity-dependent nuclear displacement in statocytes, three-dimensional cell reconstruction techniques were used to precisely measure the volumes, shapes, and positions of nuclei in white clover (Trifolium repens) flown in space and rotated on a clinostat. Seeds were germinated and grown for 72 hours aboard the Space Shuttle (STS-63) in the Fluid Processing Apparatus (BioServe Space Technologies, Univ. of Colorado, Boulder). Clinorotation experiments were performed on a two-axis clinostat (BioServe). Computer reconstruction of selected groups of statocytes were made from serial sections (0.5 microns thick) using the ROSS (Reconstruction Of Serial Sections) software package (Biocomputation Center, NASA Ames Research Center). Nuclei were significantly displaced from the tops of cells in mu-g (4.2 +/- 1.0 microns) and c-g (4.9 +/- 1.4 microns) when compared to l-g controls (3.4 +/- 0.8 gm); but, nuclear volume (113 +/- 36 cu microns, 127 +/- 32 cu microns and 125 +/- 28 cu microns for l-g, mu-g and c-g respectively) and the ratio of nuclear volume to cell volume (4.310.7%, 4.211.0% and 4.911.4% respectively) were not significantly dependent on gravity treatment (ANOVA; alpha = 0.05). Three-dimensional analysis of nuclear shape and proximity to the cell wall, however, showed that nuclei from l-g controls appeared ellipsoidal while those from space and the clinostat were more spherically shaped. This change in nuclear shape may be responsible for its displacement under altered gravity conditions. Since the cytoskeleton is known to affect nuclear polarity in root cap statocytes, those same cytoskeletal elements could also control nuclear shape. This alteration in nuclear shape and position in mu-g and c-g when compared to l-g may lead to functional differences in the gravity signaling systems of plants subjected to altered gravity environments.
Document ID
20020061699
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Smith, J.D.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Todd, P. W.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Staehelin, L. A.
(Colorado Univ. Boulder, CO United States)
Holton, Emily
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
October 15, 1997
Subject Category
Life Sciences (General)
Meeting Information
Meeting: 13th Annual American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
Location: Washington, DC
Country: United States
Start Date: November 19, 1997
End Date: November 22, 1997
Sponsors: American Society for Gravitational and Space Biology
Funding Number(s)
PROJECT: RTOP 199-97-62-15
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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